Trauma originates from the Greek word 'wound'. It's generally described as an emotional response to an experience that is deeply frightening or distressing; when a person is so overwhelmed by strong emotions that the brain's capacity to process the event is exceeded. Trauma is frequently divided into 'Big T' and 'Little T' traumas. A 'Big T' trauma encompasses events that are considered life threatening and life changing such as natural disasters, serious accidents, physical or sexual abuse, war and combat situations. These may come with a diagnosis of PTSD. 'Little T' traumas are usually on-going or recurrent stressors that erode a sense of safety or self-worth, for example invalidation or bullying in childhood, relationship difficulties, financial hardship, chronic ill health, job loss.

The term 'Little T' trauma is not used to minimise the trauma but to highlight that what may appear to many, as smaller, less significant events, are actually hugely impactful. These repeated stressors add up over time and are often referred to as 'death by a thousand cuts'. The challenge of the of 'Little T' traumas is compounded by the way they are often seen by society, as something that everyone experiences and something they should 'just get on with'. This perception is reinforced by the range of responses people have to traumatic events, with some people naturally being more resilient than others. This can make people who are more sensitive feel unseen and invalidated by others and find it hard to seek support or be compassionate to themselves. Acknowledging these wounds and reaching out for support, through brainspotting, or another modality, is the first step toward healing.

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